girtler



(No Model. 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

J. P. GIRTLER.

GAR FENDER.

Z Patented Feb. 4, 1896.

r If ATTORNEYS.

2 Sheets-Shet 2. J. F. GIRTLER.

GAR FENDER.

No. 554,119. Patented Feb. 4, 1896. L12

' (No Model.)

J Jr

ATTORNEYS.

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEicE.

JOHN F. GIRTLER, OF BROOKLYN, NEWV YORK, ASSIGNOR TO JOHN F. GIRT- LER, GASTON E. CONSTANTIN, ADOLF GLAUS, AND FRIEDRICH HEINE- MANN, OF SAME PLACE.

CAR-FENDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 554,119, dated February 4, 1896.

I Application filed July 24,1895. Serial No. 557,010 (N0 model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, JOHN F. GIRTLER, a subject of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary, at present residing in Brooklyn, in the county of Kingsand State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Oar-Fender, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The invention relates to car-fenders such as shown and described in the application for Letters Patent of the United States, Serial No. 551,767, filed by me June 5, 1895.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved car-fender, arranged. to safely pick up and retain a person or obstruction in the path of the car.

The invention consists principally of a frame adapted to be supported from the car, and a platform hung on links connected with the said frame, to permit the platform to swing forward and rearward.

The invention also consists of certain parts and details and combinations of the same, as will be fully described hereinafter and then pointed out in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improvement as applied. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional side elevation of the improvement as extended and on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. dis asimilar View of the same with-parts in a normal position. Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-section of the link connection between the frame and platform. Fig. 6 is a sectional side elevation of the same on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5, and Fig. 7 is a front elevation of the apron and main frame with parts in section.

The improved car-fender is provided with a main frame A, made U-shaped and extend ing forwardly and downwardly, with the rear end pivotally connected at B to projecting arms 0 extending forwardly from a support 0, sustained on the car E, as is plainly shown in the drawings. The support C is provided with a transverse bar or tube C from which project the arms 0 and which are set in hangers D attached to a cross-beam E of the car E. From the cross-bar C extend upwardly theposts 0 each provided at its upper end with alug C engaging a keeper E and secured thereto by a pin E The keepers E are supported on standards E; seated on the platform of the car.

The forward ends of the sides of the main frame A are connected with each other by a closely-coiled spring A, covered with a rubber tubing A to form a yielding front crossbar for the frame A. (See Figs. 2, 3, and 4:.) The sides are also connected with each other by a cross-bar A directly in the rear of the front cross-bar, and on this bar A are hung sets of curved plates A extending rearwardly, as is plainly illustrated in the sectional views, Figs. 3 and 4, the rear ends of the said plates A being formed with longitudinal loops A through which extends the rear cross-bar A having its ends A curved upwardly to con nect with the sides of the main frame, as will be readily understood by reference to Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6.

In each set of plates A is journaled a roller A adapted to travel on the track in case the frame A swings downward by the up-anddown motion of the car, it being understood that the frame is normally supported in the inclined position mentioned by chains F extending from the sides of the main frame to the posts 0 of the support 0.

WVithin the frame A is arranged a platform G, provided with an apron G extending rearwardly and then curved upwardly to connect at its rear upper end with the top of a rear frame G forming part of the frame of the platform G. The frame of the platform G is hung near its front and rear ends and at the sides thereof on links G and G, of which the links G are pivoted on the sides of the frame A, and the rear links G arepivoted on the cross-bar A extending below the frame A near the pivot end thereof, as above described. The lower end of the rear frame G is pivoted on the frame of the platform G, and is held in position by links G pivotally connecting the rear frame with the posts G On the forward end of the frame of the platform G are secured curved arms G extending over the middle cross-bar H of a guard-elevator frame H, arranged above the frame A, and pivotally connected at its rear end H to the arms 0 of the support 0, the said pivotal connection being in the rear of the pivot B for the frame A. The arms G of the platform G are normally over the said middle bar H, owing to the retractile influence of springs G secured to the posts, 0 and to the rear frame G of the platform G. (See Fig. 3.) This forward position of the platform G is limited, however, by stops G secured on the cross-bar A and engaging the rear links G, as will be readily understood by reference to Figs. 5 and 6. The side arms of the guard-elevator frame II are preferably made in the shape of a truss 11*, as plainly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, and the said side arms are supported at or near the middle of the trusses by springs I attached to the posts 0 The cross-bar II of the guard-elevator frame II is provided with a downwardly-extending guard or apron 11", carrying at its lower end the connected slides I1, fitted to slide on guiderods J, supported on the plates A*, as will be readily understood by reference to Figs. 3 and 4.. Normally the slides II are in the position shown in Fig. 4--that is, on the rear ends of the guide-rods J but when the guard-ele vator frame II is released by the arms G moving rearwardly and disengaging the cross-bar H, then the frame I-I swings upward by the action of the springs I and the said slides II are drawn forward 011 their guide-rods J, so that the guard or apron II is extended vertically, as plainly indicated in Fig. 3, in front of the platform G. The guard or apron H is preferably made of a number of strips of steel or like material attached to the cross-bar II and the connecting-bar of the slides.

The operation is as follows: hen the several parts are in the normal position illustrated in Fig. at, the platform G is in a forward position, caused by the action of the springs G tending to rock the rear frame G and thereby holding the arms G over the cross-bar II of the guard-elevator frame H, and the latter is thus locked in a lowermost positionthat is, with its front end below the platform G, as indicated in Fig. 4. Now when a person or other obstruction is struck by the fender it falls upon the platform G, and by the forward movement of the car and the rearward movement of the person struck the said platform G is caused to swing rearward on its links G and l and against the tension of the springs G the platform in doing so moving the arms or hooks G out of engagement with the cross-bar H, so that the guard-elevator frame H is released and is caused to swing upward by the action of the springs I to the position shown in Fig. 3. Thus the person on the apron G of the platform G is safely retained therein, as the person cannot fall sidewise, owing to the trusses of the guard-elevator frame, and cannot rebound forwardly, owing to the guard or apron II extending upwardly in front of the platform G. A person or other obstruction falling on the platform G will thus be safely retained on the fender, and any part of the persons body accidentally extending over one of the parts of the fender is safely held a considerable distance above the track, so as not to be liable to be injured.

It will be seen that by the arrangement described the guard or apron H for the front end of the guard-elevator frame H is completely out of the way as long as the parts are in a normal position, and readily extends whenever the springs I draw the released guardelevator frame into an uppermost position.

The several parts are so arranged that the entire fender can be readily swung upward into a folded position, so as to be out of the way when not in use.

The entire fender can be readily removed from the car by removing the pins 11 and disconnecting the upper ends of the posts (3 from the keepers E" and then lifting the support 0 with its cross-bar C out of the hangers D.

Having thus fully described myinvention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. A car-fender, comprising a main frame adapted to be supported from the car, a swinging platform supported on the links connected with the said frame to permit the platform to rock forward and rearward, and a springpressed guard normally locked in place by the said platform and adapted to be released thereby at the time the platform swings rearward, substantially as described.

2. A car fender comprising a support adapted to be removably connected with the car, a main frame hung on 'the said support and extending forwardly, a platform, a rear frame, an apron extending from the front end of the platform rearward and upward and connected with the rear frame, links for pivotally connecting the platform with said main frame, and a spring-pressed guard adapted to be releasably locked inactive by the said platform, substantially as described.

3. A car fender, comprising a support adapted to be removably connected with the car, a main frame on the said support and extending forward, a platform, a rear frame, an apron extending from the front end of the platform rearwardly and upwardly to connect with the rear frame, links for pivotally connecting the platform with the said main. frame, a spring-pressed guard or apron at the front of the main frame and adapted to be releasably locked in place by the said platform, and means for mounting the guard or apron, substantially as described.

4. A car-fender, comprising a support removably connected with the car, a main frame hung on the said support and extending forwardly, a platform, a rear frame, links for pivotally connecting the platform with said main frame, a spring-pressed guard-elevator frame pivoted at its rear end to the said sup port and adapted to be locked in place at its front end by the said platform, a guard or apron connected to the guard-elevator frame, slides held on the lower end of the guard or apron, and guide-rods carried by themain frame and engaged by the said slides, substantially as described,

5. In a car-fender, the combination of a supported cross-bar, a main frame carried on said cross-bar, a platform links pivoted to the platform and respectively pivoted to the cross-bar and to the front portion of the main frame, a guard-elevator frame normally confined by the platform, a guard or apron connected to the guard-elevator frame and sliding on the main frame, and means for lifting the guard elevator frame, substantially as described.

6. In a car-fender, the combination of a supported cross-bar, a main frame carried on the said cross-bar, a platform, links pivoted on the cross-bar and pivoted to the platform, additional links pivotally connecting the forward portion of the platform and the main frame, a guide rod on the main frame, a guard-elevator frame, a guard or apron pivoted thereon and moving on the guide-rod, and means for lifting the guard elevator frame, substantially as described.

7. In a car-fender, the combination of a mounted cross bar, a main frame carried thereon, a rear frame, a rigid post, a spring connecting the rear frame and post, a platform to which the rear frame is connected, links pivotally connecting said platform with the main frame, a guard or apron, and means for lifting the guard or apron, said means being normally restrained by the platform, substantially as described.

8. In a car-fender, the combination of rigid posts, a rear cross-bar pivoted thereon, a main frame fixed to the rear cross-bar, a swinging platform mounted on the main frame, a rear frame connected to the platform, a spring connected to the post and rear frame, links connected to the rear frame and posts, a guard or apron, and means for raising the guard or apron, said means being normally restrained by the platform, substantially as described.

9. In a car-fender, the combination of rigid posts, a rear cross-bar pivoted on said posts and having curved ends, links pivoted near the curved ends of the cross-bar, a main frame carried by the cross-bar, a platform connected with the links, additional links for mounting the front of the platform, a guide-rod carried by the main frame, a guard or apron moving on the guide-rod, means for raising the guard or apron, a rear frame pivoted to the platform, a link pivotally connecting the rear frame and the posts, and a spring substantially as described.

10. In a car-fender, the combination of two rigid posts, arms projecting outwardly therefrom, a rear cross-bar pivoted to the arms, a main frame on the cross-bar, links respectively pivoted to the cross-bar and to the forward portion of the main frame, a platform pivotally mounted on said links, a guard-elevator frame pivoted to the arms and normally restrained by the platform, a guard or apron connected to the guardelevator frame, a guide-rod on the main frame and on which the guard or apron moves, and means for raising the guard-elevator frame upon its release by the platform, substantially asdescribed.

11. In a car-fender a pivotally mounted main frame, spring-plates secured to said main frame and extending below the same, rollers carried by the plates, a swinging platform supported on the main frame, a guard or apron carried forward of the platform and above the main frame, and normally restrained means for raising the guard, substantially as described.

12. In a car-fender, the combination of a pivotally-mounted main frame, spring-plates secured to the forward portion of said frame and having slidably-supported rear ends, the plates being extended under the frame, and rollers carried by the plates, substantially as described.

13. In a car-fender, the combination of a mounted rear cross-bar, a main frame carried by said cross-bar, a spring-plate having its forward end secured to the forward portion of the main frame and having at its rear end a loop slidably carried by the rear cross-bar, and a roller carried by the spring-plate, substantially as described.

14. In a car-fender, the combination of a main frame, a swinging platform supported on said frame, a mounted and actuated guard confined by the platform and released upon the movement of the platform on its pivots, substantially as described.

15. In a car-fender, the combination of a main frame, a swinging platform carried thereon, a guard or apron, a mounted guardelevator frame to which the guard or apron is connected, the said frame being confined by the platform and released upon the rearward movement thereof, and means for actuating the guard-elevator frame, substantially as described. 1

16. In a car-fender, the combination of a main frame, a fulcrumed rear frame, a swinging platform mounted on the main frame and to which the rear frame is pivoted, an apron connected to the platform and rear frame, a guard-elevator frame, a guard or apron and means for actuating the guard elevator frame, the said actuating means being normally restrained by the platform, substan tially as described.

17. In a car-fender, the combination of a main frame, a fulcrumed rear frame, a swinging platform on'the main frame and to which the rear frame is pivoted, an apron connected to the rear frame and to the platform, a mounted guard or apron normally confined by the platform, and means for actuating the guard or apron, substantially as described.

18. In a car-fender, the combination of two rigid posts, arms projecting forward therefrom, a main frame pivoted on said arms, spring-plates connected with the forward portion of the main frame and projecting under the same and having their rear ends slidably supported, a swinging platform mounted on the main frame, a guard-elevator frame pivoted on the arms, a guard or apron connected to the guardelevator frame, and means for raising the guard-elevator frame, substantially as described.

19. In a car-fender, the combination of a mounted rear cross-bar having each end bent upwardly, a main frame connected to said upwardly-bent ends, a mounted guard or apron, means for actuating the same, and a platform pivotally mounted above the main frame and having its rear end located between the extremities of the rear cross-bar, the said platform normally restraining the guard or apron, substantially as described.

20. In a car-fender, the combination of a mounted rear cross-bar, a main frame connected to said cross-bar, a mounted guard or apron ,means for actuating the guard or apron, a platform having its front portion pivotally connected with the main frame, links pivoted to the rear portion of the platform and to the rear cross-bar, and stops on the cross-bar for limiting the forward movement of the platform by engagement with the links of the rear cross-bar, substantially as described.

J OIIN 1 GIRTLER. lVitnesses:

THEO. G. lIosTEn, JNo. M. RITTER. 

